My Visitor: Common Grackle

The Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is a large icterid which is found in large numbers through much of North America.

Adult common grackles measure from 28 to 34 cm (11 to 13 in) in length, span 36–46 cm (14–18 in) across the wings and weigh 74–142 g (2.6–5.0 oz). Common grackles are less sexually dimorphic than larger grackle species but the differences between the sexes can still be noticeable. The male, which averages 122 g (4.3 oz), is larger than the female, at an average of 94 g (3.3 oz). Adults have a long, dark bill, pale yellowish eyes and a long tail; its feathers appear black with purple, green or blue iridescence on the head, and primarily bronze sheen in the body plumage. The adult female, beyond being smaller, is usually less iridescent; her tail in particular is shorter, and unlike the males, does not keel (display a longitudinal ridge) in flight and is brown with no purple or blue gloss. The juvenile is brown with dark brown eyes.

Photo Gallery

14 thoughts on “My Visitor: Common Grackle”

Indira on August 21, 2017 at 7:40 am said:

Black beauty! 🙂

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- avian101 on August 21, 2017 at 11:55 am said:
  
  Thanks Indira. 🙂
  
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tootlepedal on August 21, 2017 at 6:05 pm said:

Good pictures HJ.

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- avian101 on August 21, 2017 at 7:33 pm said:
  
  Thanks Tom. 🙂
  
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Clare Pooley on August 21, 2017 at 9:20 pm said:

Lovely shots HJ!

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- avian101 on August 21, 2017 at 10:02 pm said:
  
  Thank you so much Clare. 🙂
  
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  - Clare Pooley on August 22, 2017 at 5:27 pm said:
    
    🙂
tanjabrittonwriter on August 21, 2017 at 9:23 pm said:

I know grackles are not among the popular birds, but their iridescent feathers never cease to delight.
I am glad you are back to blogging.
Best,
Tanja

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- avian101 on August 21, 2017 at 10:06 pm said:
  
  Most of people that dislike them is because their piercing eyes which make people nervous. I like grackles.
  Thank you very much Tanja. 🙂
  
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bayphotosbydonna on August 21, 2017 at 9:42 pm said:

They do have such lovely colors, you captured them well, HJ!

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- avian101 on August 21, 2017 at 10:09 pm said:
  
  OMG….Donna is back! It’s good to hear from you again. Thank you! 🙂
  
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  - bayphotosbydonna on August 21, 2017 at 10:39 pm said:
    
    Thanks for welcome back, HJ! 🙂
de Wets Wild on August 21, 2017 at 9:51 pm said:

Interesting bird! I suppose the name is in some way derived from their call?

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- avian101 on August 21, 2017 at 10:27 pm said:
  
  Late 18th cent.: from modern Latin Gracula, from Latin graculus ‘jackdaw.’
  
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